A couple of weeks ago, we put the BMW 3 Series up against the Volvo S60 to see which product gave the customer more under RM300,000. Today, we move out of the compact executive segment and into the executive sedan segment around the RM330,000 price point.
Our two representatives in this segment are the Lexus ES and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Specifically we are putting up the top spec Lexus ES Luxury for RM332,888 at launch and the entry level E200 SportStyle Avantgarde at RM329,888. The difference in price is RM3,000 or less than 1%, but the E-Class has the advantage here. But if we’re talking value, the 5-year, unlimited mileage Lexus warranty beats the Mercedes-Benz 4-year warranty.
Dimensions
In terms of size, the Lexus is longer by 52mm and wider by 13mm than E-Class. However, the E-Class has a larger wheelbase (by 69mm).
It’s also lighter by 55kg and has 120L more boot space.
Performance
In terms of performance, the two cars are rather different.
Engine
The Lexus ES gives you a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 204hp and 247Nm of torque while the Mercedes-Benz E200 is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine with 197hp and 320Nm of torque.
Transmission & Driven Wheels
The ES uses an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic. It sends power to the front wheels. The E-Class uses a 9G-TRONIC gearbox, which is a 9-speed conventional automatic and it sends power to the rear wheels.
Brakes, Chassis, Suspension
The ES is fitted with standard dampers, it has solid rear disc brakes, MacPherson struts in front and Trailing Wishbones at the rear. Lexus has wrapped the rims in Bridgestone Turanza T005A measuring 235/45R18.
The E-Class on the other hand has Agility Control Suspension, ventilated rear disc brakes, Multi Link Suspension all around. The rims are wrapped in Michelin Primacy 3 measuring 245/45R18.
Results
The ES 250 does the century sprint in 9.1 seconds and finds its performance ceiling at 210km/h. It has a fuel efficiency of about 6.6L/100km. The E200 does 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds and keeps going until it reaches 240kmh. It has a fuel consumption of about 7.1L/100km. If you can find more relevant fuel efficiency numbers for these vehicles let us know, we’re relying on external data here as both manufacturers have not disclosed fuel consumption figures for the Malaysian market.
Equipment
The ES 250 Luxury has quite a few equipment advantages over the E200 SportStyle Avantgarde.
This includes:
- Power reclining rear seats
- Fold down centre armrest with seat, audio and A/C controls
- 3 zone climate control
- Sunroof
- Lexus gets Pioneer 10-speaker system
- Powered boot with contactless opening
- Surround View Camera with 3D view
- Heads Up Display
- Tiptronic gear selection
- Keyless entry
- 10 SRS Airbags
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Active Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function
- Pop up hood (pedestrian safety)
While the E-Class at this price is an entry-level model, it does match some of the ES 250’s equipment in some places. These equipment pieces are common between the two cars.
- LED headlights with Adaptive High beam
- Paddle shifters
- Ambient lighting
- 12.3″ Infotainment system
- Keyless Push to Start button
- Electric steering adjustment
- Fully-digital instrument cluster
- Autonomous braking
- Forward collision warning
- Wireless phone charger
One equipment piece that the E-Class offers that isn’t present on the ES 250 is Auto Parking. It’s also worth noting that its instrument cluster is FULLY digital, whereas the Lexus comes with a semi digital instrument cluster.
Rims
Both brands offer 18″ rims, but in different finishes and styles. Here’s what they look like.
